Juve hit back at penalty claims

Juventus have issued a statement in relation to a “clumsy and underhand attempt at defamation” against the club.

Juventus have issued a statement in relation to a “clumsy and underhand attempt at defamation” against the club.

The outfit posted the note on its official website after allegations were made about the circumstances in which Arturo Vidal scored against Cesena in December.

Television footage sees defender Guillermo Rodriguez make a gesture with his hand to Vidal minutes before the Chilean slotted home a penalty.

The Uruguayan stopper was in goal for the spot-kick after Francesco Antonioli was red-carded in the 2-0 win for Juve.

Juve’s statement reads as follows:

“The recent circulation of footage concerning the penalty struck and scored by Arturo Vidal in the Juventus v Cesena encounter, which according to some reveals a gesture of agreement between the Cesena player tasked with stopping the penalty and the Bianconeri midfielder, constitutes a clumsy and underhand attempt at defamation.

“Juventus Football Club will act accordingly in order to protect the image of both the club and Arturo Vidal.”